By Ashlee Larrison
GCU News Bureau
Dr. Juan Hernandez, Assistant Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Production, hopes to introduce the talent emerging from the Music Department to a new audience. The solution: Take the Masterworks Concert to new territory.
Instead of being performed near campus, the “Masterworks: Songs of Faith” concert will bring together the Canyon Chorale, Critical Mass and student soloists to sing spiritual pieces, new and old, at two churches in east Phoenix.
The concert, which focuses on Grand Canyon University’s strong Christian faith through music, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Phoenix, 5510 N. Central Ave. and 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church, 4455 E. Lincoln Drive.
“We try to do repertory that educates our students about some of the great pieces of literature and about some of the great pieces of the Christian faith,” Hernandez said. “We try to provide our audiences, which are really broad, a repertory that will be enjoyable, regardless of what type of music you like."
He added that by going to different churches, the department hopes "to promote the University, promote our programs and really let people know that we have a really good music program and that people are really participating and active.”
Alongside Hernandez and the choir, GCU Music Director Mark Fearey will return on piano for the set, and musical guest Michael Downey will play the trumpet to accompany several songs.
“With the use of the other instrument in addition to the piano and some of the newer chorale music, there’s a nice bit of everything for a lot of different ears,” Fearey said.
Some of many songs on the concert repertoire will be "The Last Words of David," "Go Down Moses," "Forever in His Care" and "God is Working."
“Both of the venues where we will be performing are just beautiful churches that are really built specifically to host really good music,” Hernandez said.
IF YOU GO
What: “Masterworks: Songs of Faith”
When and where: 7 p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Phoenix, 5510 N. Central Ave., and 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church, 4455 E. Lincoln Drive
Admission: Free
Information: 602-639-8880 or [email protected]
Contact GCU staff writer Ashlee Larrison at [email protected] or at 602-639-8488.
***
Related content:
GCU Today: "Choir to shine a light at GCU -- and Carnegie Hall"
GCU Today: "GCU goes big -- Hallelujah! -- for 'Messiah'"
GCU Today: "Hark! GCU's choirs sing, celebrate season"
